Self-Cross-Linking Polymer via Grafting and Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cross-linking polymers often require the use of cross-linking agents, which can be complex and result in commercially less viable products, whereas polymers that self-crosslink using glycidyl or amine functionalities are advantageous but limited in application scope.

Innovation Solution

A process for preparing reactive solutions of polymerizable polymers using N-vinyl amide monomers, dual functional monomers with specific structures, and polymerizable monomeric solvents, enabling cross-linking through grafting and curing, which eliminates the need for external cross-linking agents and expands application possibilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cross-linking agents are used to cross-link polymers, then cross-linking is achieved, but the process becomes complex and commercial viability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-linking effectivenessVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer contains built-in cross-linkable functionalities (glycidyl, amine, or polymerizable groups) that enable self-cross-linking without external cross-linking agents. The polymer serves its own cross-linking needs through internal chemical groups that react with each other under appropriate conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-linkable functionalities are pre-introduced into the polymer structure during polymerization. This preliminary incorporation of reactive groups eliminates the need for subsequent addition of cross-linking agents, simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If glycidyl or amine functionalities are used for self-cross-linking, then cross-linking is simplified, but application scope is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-linking process simplicityVSAvoidapplication scope
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides multiple types of cross-linkable functionalities (glycidyl, amine, and polymerizable groups) that can be selected based on specific application requirements. This multi-functionality approach allows the same base polymer to be adapted for different applications by choosing appropriate cross-linking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows changing the type of cross-linkable functionality introduced into the polymer to match different application needs. By varying the functional group type (epoxy, amine, vinyl, etc.), the polymer can be optimized for specific applications while maintaining simplified self-cross-linking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If polymerizable functionalities are integrated into the polymer, then versatility and commercial viability are enhanced, but the polymerization process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication versatilityVSAvoidpolymerization process ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The polymerizable functionalities are incorporated into the polymer structure during the initial polymerization step rather than requiring separate modification steps. This preliminary incorporation simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the added versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite polymer structures that combine the base polymer chain with pendant cross-linkable functional groups. This composite approach allows the polymer to maintain its base properties while gaining enhanced versatility through the integrated functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for the creation of cross-linkable polymers that can be easily cured without external agents, enhancing the versatility and commercial viability of polymeric materials by integrating polymerizable functionalities, thereby expanding their application scope.

Implementation Method 1

at least one grafting functional monomer having the structure of X—Y—Z... Grafting is accomplished by reacting or condensing the graft functional monomer with the reactive functionality of pendant chemical moiety of the base polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrafting: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

E is polymerizable functionality comprising an alkene or carbon-carbon double bond... at least one polymerizable monomeric solvent to yield the polymerizable polymer solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS9169344B2Reactive solution of polymerizable polymer comprising polymerizable reactive functionalities, process and compositions thereof
Publication Date: 2015.10.27 ISP INVESTMENTS LLC
  • US9169344B2 patent drawing
  • US9169344B2 patent drawing
  • US9169344B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein a process for the preparation of reactive solution of polymerizable polymers comprising polymerizable reactive functionality and wherein one approach discloses a polymerizable polymer comprising a (i) N-vinyl amide monomer; (ii) dual functional monomer; and (iii) polymerizable monomelic solvent. An additional approach reveals about polymerizable polymer comprising (i) a base polymer made from N-vinyl amide monomer and a co-monomer with the proviso for grafting; (ii) graft functional monomer; and (iii) a polymerizable monomelic solvent to enable a medium for polymerization. Also, discloses about the compositions comprising reactive solution of polymerizable polymer and its various possible applications.